“Actions speak louder than words” may be a cliche, but it’s true. What we choose to do or not to do directly reflects our set of priorities. We spend most of our time on those things we consider most important or most urgent or most demanding. If you say, “I don't have time to go to church,” you really mean “I think something else is more important than going to church, so I’m spending my time on that.” (Wow…so true!)
Where do you choose to spend your time? Does your work get most of it and your family very little? Does a sport or hobby get a good chunk of it? What about God’s Word? What about God’s work at church or with a ministry? How much time do you spend there? Uncomfortable questions? They are the same ones the prophet Haggai posed to his people over 2,500 years ago.
In 586 B.C., the Babylonians had captured Judah and destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. In 538 B.C., Cyrus let some of the people return to rebuild the Temple. They came back to the land with enthusiasm and began to rebuild. But as time passed, the people’s priorities shifted. They began to build their own homes and take care of their own needs. The Temple work took second place.
Then, in 520 B.C., Haggai called them to action. Some people are especially gifted at motivating others to action. Haggai was such a motivator and encourager. He had a way of cutting right to the point. “Is it a time to live in your paneled houses while the house of God remains in ruins?” he asked. “You say God is most important to you, but you don’t act like it. Get your priorities in order and get busy rebuilding the Temple.”
Fortunately, the people listened. They got to work and built the Temple. It was not as elegant or magnificent as Solomon’s Temple had been, but it was built, and God was celebrated and worshiped again in his house.
Haggai’s challenge is for us today. It is time to get our priorities in order. If God is first in our lives, it’s time to prove it. Put God’s work at the top. Don’t make excuses about not having time. The problem is one of priorities. What is most important in your life? For that, you will always have time. In a culture where we know so much about investing for the future, how ironic that we seem to know so little about investing for our eternal future. Spending time in eternal investments pays priceless dividends.” (Touch Point Bible) (Yes!!! Lord, help us get our priorities in order.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Place in our spirit a mind “stayed on Jesus”, one that prioritizes you and places you above all things. And, Lord, allow this book to motivate us, as Haggai’s word motivated your people many centuries ago. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Comments